Parkin played the entirety of Walsall reserves’ 5-1 defeat to Port Vale at the Banks’s Stadium yesterday afternoon.

The 28-year-old has struggled to make a big impact since arriving in the summer and finds himself down Chris Hutchings’ striking pecking order.

The former Chelsea trainee started the first five games of the season, finding the net twice.

But it’s now been two-and-a-half months since Parkin was last named in the Saddlers’ starting line-up, as Darren Byfield and Troy Deeney continue to impress up front.

Assistant boss O’Connor, who was fuming at the reserves’ collapse following Alex Nicholls’ first-half opener, admits Parkin’s situation has been frustrating for both parties.

However, Hutchings’ right-hand man insists he needs to stick in there and wait for his chance.

“It’s been frustrating for him and for us,” conceded O’Connor. “He’s needed a game.He’s been out with a sore back for a couple of weeks, which curtailed his enthusiasm to get in because he thought he was knocking on the door.

“He’s a good pro, trains really well and I’m sure he’s one of those that, if given the chance, he will make a big impression.

“The way the club is and the way the gaffer works, if you’ve got the shirt then you’ve got to keep it.

“And the way to keep your shirt is to perform. If you don’t perform then we’ve got people like Sam Parkin, Alex Nicholls and Will Grigg to come in.

“The pressure is on the front two, whoever they are, to perform.

“Sam knows the game. He’s been in it long enough and he knows he will get his chance and when he gets it he’s got to take it, as with anybody not in the first team.